Photo: BSS

DHAKA, May 15, 2025 (BSS) - The leaders of the Sammilito Parishad contesting in the upcoming election to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) have vowed to address prudently the pressing challenges surrounding the RMG sector and also to continue the export trend.

They said this while addressing a "Meet the Press" held today at a hotel in the capital.

President of Sammilito Parishad and former BGMEA President Quazi Moniruzzaman, Panel leader and Chaity Group Managing Director (MD) Md Abul Kalam and former BGMEA President Faruque Hassan spoke on the occasion, moderated by Md Mustazirul Shovon Islam.

The BGMEA election for the 2025-27 term is scheduled to take place on May 31.

Speaking on the occasion, panel leader Md Abul Kalam said the BGMEA election is taking place at a time when the global trade system is passing through a challenging time especially the imposition of reciprocal tariff by the United States of America (USA) for which the country's RMG sector could fall into risk to its single largest export destination like the USA.

Besides, he cited that the energy crisis and pricing, complexities in customs, bond and in the banking sector and the issues related to the LDC gradation could also make challenging the journey of this sector.

Kalam said the Sammilito Parishad has formed a strong panel this time comprising tested, experienced, educated, and professional entrepreneurs to realize industry-friendly policy support from the government alongside continuing the export growth.

Former BGMEA president Quazi Moniruzzaman said many attainments of the BGMEA were achieved in the past under the leadership of the Sammilito Parishad while they would always stand beside the entrepreneurs of the RMG sector in the future like in the past.

Answering to a question, he said they want to do their business with utmost transparency, accountability and with self dignity adding that they would not patron those businesses which would pursue unethical means.

Moniruzzaman also demanded for a separate apparel ministry considering the growing size and issues centering the RMG sector.

Former BGMEA president and chief election coordinator of the Sammilito Parishad Faruque Hassan said they would unveil their election manifesto and thus introduce the panel of Parishad on May 21 at a city hotel and thus hold discussions in details about the way forward of the apparel sector.

Urging the voters to keep their trust and confidence upon the Sammilito Parishad leaders and candidates, Faruque said that if elected they would highlight issues related to betterment of the RMG sector including trade facilitation, up-skilling mid-level managers, digital transformation center, unified code of conduct, progress towards the revenue sector reforms, apparel diplomacy and LDC graduation.

A total of 76 candidates will contest for 35 posts of Board of Directors of the BGMEA in the upcoming biennial elections for 2025-2027 term.

Two platforms -- Sammilita Parishad and Forum -- announced their final lists of candidatures with 35 each while another platform namely Oikkyo Parishad will contest the election with six candidates.

According to the final list, a total of 1,864 voters --1,561 in Dhaka and 303 in Chattogram -- are expected to cast their votes in this year's election.